State Legislative Leaders Respond to Bin Laden’s Death

The state’s legislative leaders have responded this afternoon to Osama bin Laden’s death.

From Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County:

The welcome news that the military forces of the United States killed terrorist leader Osama bin Laden hopefully brings a measure of peace and closure to thousands of New Yorkers, including many of my constituents, who lost loved ones, neighbors and friends on September 11th. Their lives will never be the same because of bin Laden’s actions, but after almost ten years, justice has finally been done.

I commend the President for taking decisive action and I want to thank the men and women of our armed forces who have tirelessly pursued bin Laden for almost a decade, as well as all Americans serving overseas, who are putting their lives in danger in the name of freedom.

While the leader of worldwide terrorism is dead, we must keep up our guard to ensure that all Americans here and abroad are safe from his followers and others who would bring harm to our country.

From Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

The long-awaited promise to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice has been fulfilled and with it a painful chapter in America’s history and particularly, the history of Lower Manhattan, has finally been closed.

The assault that ended Bin Laden’s life brought an essential measure of justice to the families of the 9/11 casualties and to the countless residents of my community and first responders from around the city and state who continue to suffer from World Trade Center-related illnesses.

When his moment of truth came, the architect of the 9/11 attacks on America left this world knowing that he had failed to crush the American spirit and that New York – the city he planned to destroy – grows stronger and more diverse with every passing day.

On behalf of the citizens of Lower Manhattan, I commend President Obama and the Administration for their commitment to keeping the promise made to us on September 11, 2001. We salute the courageous men and women of our Armed Services, who have sacrificed so much to bring Bin Laden to justice and who continue to fight terrorism around the world.

Although this face of terrorism has been relegated to the pages of history, we cannot let down our guard. Our resolve to eradicate terrorism – root and branch – must remain firm.

“Today, all Americans say thank you to our heroic military, our intelligence agencies, President Obama and former President Bush for waging the effort that delivered final justice to Osama Bin Laden. It is important that we remember our fellow Americans murdered on September 11, 2001 and pray for their families, and the families of all our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror. The world is still a dangerous place and we must never forget that the service and sacrifice of our armed
forces is what keeps America safe and free.”

Senate Minority Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn:

“The death of Osama Bin Laden is an historic moment in the war on terror, but the fight is far from over. His killing serves as a clear signal to our enemies and allies around the world that the United States will go to any length to protect our citizens, preserve democracy, and mete out justice.

“Osama Bin Laden was an adversary who operated without honor, without country, and without true religious conviction. His hatred for freedom and unprovoked acts of violence have now met the strong punishment they deserve.

“I commend President Obama for accomplishing this critical mission, and for his relentless commitment to routing terrorists around the world.

“I would also like to thank the brave men and women of our military for their valor and courage in the face of danger, as well as our police, firefighters and first responders who serve on the front lines every day. We will and we must remain vigilant in securing our communities in the days to come.

“September 11th changed the lives of every New Yorker. We must never forget those we lost in the attack, those who sacrificed their lives in the service of others, and the almost 200 New Yorkers who have given their lives in the years since while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We must use this as an opportunity to come together as we did after September 11th. We must remain united in our hope for peace and in our commitment to securing our communities and our country. And we must always remain committed to protecting the blessing of liberty that is the birthright of all humankind.”